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One of the hardest things we have found in the past, is ensuring a perfect fit for your Equine's Tack & Saddles.

Below are some descriptions on how to measure your Equine correctly. Please note: Each manufacturer may be different. If you are purchasing an item that is not from the Stevens Hobby Farm line, contact them first to see what they require.

To Measure for a Halter~

To measure for a halter, we ask that you give us the measurement of the leather or nylon of a well fitted halter that you are currently using. When measuring without the benefit of a well fitting halter, meausre the nose circumference about two fingers under the prominent cheek bone (ALL THE WAY AROUND!). Then using that mark, measure from one side of the cheek, all the way around the poll to the other side. Please also include the length from the throatlatch to where the noseband would sit under the horses head. This is very important. ;)

To Measure for a Western Bridle~

To measure for a Western Browband Bridle, we ask for these measurements:
1. The Bit to Bit measurement around the poll- (pink line)
2. The Browband measurement- (orange line)
3. The Throatlatch measurement- (light blue line)

For English, please use the above three PLUS the Noseband (yellow line).

To Measure for an English Bridle~

To measure for an English Bridle, we ask for these measurements:
1. The Bit to Bit measurement around the poll- (pink line)
2. The Browband measurement- (orange line)
3. The Throatlatch measurement- (light blue line)
4. The nose measurement front & nose measurement back- (yellow line)
5. The Caveson Crown measurement- (See picture on left)
The caveson/noseband style (whether you like the caveson cheeks showing or not) will depend upon the measurements you send us. Some customers like the caveson cheek pieces further forward, some like them back. So please remember this when sending measurements to us.

When measuring for Saddles for any equine... you best bet for a perfect fit is to send a wither tracing or seek professional help. Some companies are well versed in using wither tracings. However, the fit is only going to be as good as the tracing so make sure you understand how to do one. (For more information on Saddle Fitment Experts click here!)

Fitting Horses, whether Arabian, Halflinger, or draft is a very costly and long process. If you are having problems with your horse not acting as well under saddle as bareback, you can pretty much bet your saddle is just way to small! There are some great companies out there from www.downunderweb.com (Aussie) to www.heritagesaddlery.com (English) and more.

If you haven't purchased your horse yet, but plan to, remember horses need withers to keep a saddle on them. Horses without suitable "saddle withers" are called Mutton Withered and years ago they were culled for riding horses. Draft Horses can and are found often with nice withers. If you need help, find some books on saddles, fitment, and horse basics to help you. In the long run that $60 in books or videos will help you save hundreds in trying to find the correct fit, or a lame horse that is damaged permanently due to poor saddle fit.

Take your time, do your homework, don't expect everything to be done overnight if you do not own a stock sized equine (most people don't!)!! And most of all, get out there in enjoy your Equine!!!!!

Click here to figure your draft's weight!

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